The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which operates Folsom Dam, credits extensive regional water conservation for allowing lake levels to remain somewhat steady.

"You’re getting a greater decrease in use, so it’s really saving water on a personal level," said Luis Moore, of the Bureau of Reclamation. "Through those conservation efforts, we’ve been able to stretch this water supply."

Water agencies that draw from Folsom are taking less because residential and business demand has fallen.

It’s one of the few positive developments in an otherwise dismal state water picture.

The Folsom Dam water supply is at 33 percent of capacity. Normally, it would be at 62 percent this time of year.

Officials warned that if this winter is another disappointment, with below-average snow and rainfall, Californians will need to conserve even more next year.